SHORT BIO
Kai is the host and senior editor of “Marketplace,” the most widely heard program on business and the economy — radio or television, commercial or public broadcasting — in the country. Kai speaks regularly with CEOs of Fortune 500 companies, startup entrepreneurs, small-business owners and everyday participants in the American and global economies. Before his career in broadcasting, Kai served in the United States Navy and United States Foreign Service. He’s a graduate of Emory University and Georgetown University. Kai lives in Los Angeles with his wife and four children.
Latest Stories (5,837)
Health communication expert gives U.S. a "C" for pandemic performance
by
Kai Ryssdal
and Andie Corban
Jan 18, 2022
Cynthia Baur of the University of Maryland explains how health agencies get their messages out.
What is Web3, exactly?
by
Kai Ryssdal
and Richard Cunningham
Jan 13, 2022
The next iteration of the internet is a hot topic of conversation in tech communities. Kevin Werbach of The Wharton School explains why.
Why the economic recovery looks different for women of color
by
Kai Ryssdal
and Maria Hollenhorst
Jan 13, 2022
“There are going to be lingering scarring effects,” economist Michelle Holder said.
As a microbusiness, surviving the pandemic means taking it one day at a time
by
Kai Ryssdal
and Daisy Palacios
Jan 11, 2022
On top of pandemic disruptions, supply chain issues make running a business — including a small cheese shop — even more challenging.
The economic legacy of the Jan. 6 insurrection is "intertwined" with the pandemic
by
Kai Ryssdal
and Sean McHenry
Jan 6, 2022
“So much is good about the recovery,” said Wendy Edelberg of the Brookings Institution. Yet “we’re still in the midst of chaos.”
Omicron is straining medical supply chains and this small practice
by
Kai Ryssdal
and Maria Hollenhorst
Jan 5, 2022
A rural family physician discusses shortages of medications, hospital staff and beds for COVID-19 patients.
The strategy behind sonic logos, like Netflix’s startup chime
by
Kai Ryssdal
and Maria Hollenhorst
Jan 3, 2022
Sound has a "powerful ability to prime your brain for what's coming,” said Dallas Taylor, host of a podcast about sound.
Are workers better off in a "workers economy"?
by
Kai Ryssdal
and Minju Park
Dec 16, 2021
Many workers are quitting their jobs during the pandemic, but are they improving their financial situations after they leave?
Prices will remain high, California warehouse owner predicts
by
Kai Ryssdal
and Andie Corban
Dec 16, 2021
David Erlanger is dealing with shipping delays and price increases the likes of which he hasn’t seen in his decades in the business.
Listeners “care about community and humanity of the music," says Pitchfork’s Patel
by
Kai Ryssdal
, Anais Amin
and Sean McHenry
Dec 15, 2021
The editor in chief of the music site talks about virality versus hooks, how musicians make a living and the future of criticism.